Arne Slot made several changes to his starting lineup from the Bologna win as the league leaders Liverpool travelled to Selhurst Park to clash heads with Crystal Palace on the Saturday early kick-off fixture. The Merseysiders had a perfect start when Diogo Jota fired in the early minutes. Although a few wasted opportunities kept the game tight allowing the Eagles to stay in the hunt, Slot’s men managed the game well en route to securing all three points.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their 1-0 win against Crystal Palace.
Alisson Becker: 8
Made some crucial saves to defend the narrow lead. However, the Brazilian could not complete the game as he was forced to leave the pitch following a hamstring injury. Caoimhín Kelleher did not make the matchday squad due to illness, and the third-choice goalkeeper Vítězslav Jaroš made his debut with more than 10 minutes remaining.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7.5
Balanced his game between defence and attack. Created a few chances high up the pitch but did extremely well against Eberechi Eze who hardly posed any threat in the Liverpool attack.
Ibrahima Konate: 8
Maintained his composure in deep defence with timely tackles, tactical fouls and no-nonsense clearances. Also, played his passes accurately while playing it out from the back.
Virgil van Dijk: 8.5
Effectively dominated the likes of Eddie Nketiah and later Jean-Philippe Mateta. Made some crucial interceptions, won the duels and showed his passing expertise as a ball-playing centre-half.
Kostas Tsimikas: 8
Made the opportunity count as he looked relentless with his overlapping runs, crosses and link-up play with Cody Gakpo down the left-hand flank. Played his part in the build-up of Jota’s goal. Was replaced by Andrew Robertson late in the match.
Ryan Gravenberch: 7.5
Another decent outing for the in-form Dutchman who went past the opponents with swift turns, intelligent movements and smart runs. Misplaced a few passes that led to Palace attacks.
Curtis Jones: 7.5
Showed sheer control with the ball on his feet. Improved his off-the-ball work rate. Could have offered a bit more with his final passes. Got replaced by Wataru Endo for the final few minutes.
Alexis Mac Allister: 7.5
Operated from a slightly advanced role in the centre of the pitch. Played his part in several attacking build-ups but was taken off at half-time for Dominik Szoboszlai.
Mohamed Salah: 6.5
A rare occasion when the Egyptian was not on the scoresheet and had to make way for Luis Diaz midway through the second half.
Cody Gakpo: 8.5
Excellent down the left with his direct runs and dribbles. Set it up perfectly for Jota’s early opener. Tracked back and helped the defence time and again.
Diogo Jota: 8
Missed a couple of easy-scoring opportunities, but his solitary goal made all the difference this afternoon. Another massive performance from the Portuguese ‘number 9’ who kept on causing menace in the Palace defence.
Liverpool Subs Vs Crystal Palace
Dominik Szoboszlai: 6.5
Worked his socks off, but the home side dominated the midfield game since the arrival of Will Hughes around the hour mark.
Luis Diaz: 6
Could not make any noteworthy contribution apart from a few mazy runs in and around the box.
Vítězslav Jaros: 7
Handled the pressure well with a timely punch, outing and a decent save.
Andrew Robertson: 6.5
Calmed things down the left since replacing Tsimikas late in the encounter.
Wataru Endo: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
